Picked up a BF-F8+ today. (Well, more accurately, the gentleman in brown gave it to me today after ordering it Monday from Amazon) Going for my technician license eventually, but just wanted something to play with for now to listen in and possibly use for the public spectrum like FRS. (For a bonus, the antenna/receiver is pretty awesome. I was able to listen clearly to WIBC in my office which I have never been able to do with any standard FM radio. So even if I abandon this as a HAM platform it has a home on my desk at work at least)
I started my quest looking at the BF-F8HP and UV-82HP, but at half the cost (because its no longer made) I couldnt resist the + for my first. (I was able to get the radio plus accessories for the virtually the same cost as just the newer ones.)
So here's the question. Are the two newer ones worth the extra money? Worth double the money? I understand they are 7/8 vs 4/5 watts. But I like the visibility of the UV's color options. Im famous for dropping crap and losing it. Brightly colored objects are my friend.
Would the extra couple watts (yes, I have seen I can only use 7 of the 8 in the US) be of benefit? Especially in a SHTF scenario where the FCC is no longer a factor. A better PCB and more power is the biggest difference I can see between the generations.
My most common use would be at our vacation house where I need to reach up to 1 1/4 mile NLOS with only a bit of trees between the two points. (mostly open air) I suspect MURS would do that but am pretty sure FRS/GMRS cant quite.
So what says the INGO HAMs?
What would you say is the better of the two if its down to the new radios? Other than style, I dont see much difference.
I started my quest looking at the BF-F8HP and UV-82HP, but at half the cost (because its no longer made) I couldnt resist the + for my first. (I was able to get the radio plus accessories for the virtually the same cost as just the newer ones.)
So here's the question. Are the two newer ones worth the extra money? Worth double the money? I understand they are 7/8 vs 4/5 watts. But I like the visibility of the UV's color options. Im famous for dropping crap and losing it. Brightly colored objects are my friend.
Would the extra couple watts (yes, I have seen I can only use 7 of the 8 in the US) be of benefit? Especially in a SHTF scenario where the FCC is no longer a factor. A better PCB and more power is the biggest difference I can see between the generations.
My most common use would be at our vacation house where I need to reach up to 1 1/4 mile NLOS with only a bit of trees between the two points. (mostly open air) I suspect MURS would do that but am pretty sure FRS/GMRS cant quite.
So what says the INGO HAMs?
What would you say is the better of the two if its down to the new radios? Other than style, I dont see much difference.
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